Landscape patterns as habitat predictors: building and testing models for cavity-nesting birds in the Uinta Mountains of Utah,USA

The ability to predict species occurrences quickly is often crucial for managers and conservation biologists with limited time and funds. We used measured associations with landscape patterns to build accurate predictive habitat models that were quickly and easily applied (i.e., required no additional data collection in the field to make predictions). We used classification trees (a nonparametric alternative to discriminant function analysis, logistic regression, and other generalized linear models) to model nesting habitat of red-naped sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus nuchalis), northern flickers (Colaptes auratus),tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), and mountain chickadees (Parus gambeli) in the Uinta Mountains of northeastern Utah, USA. We then tested the predictive capability of the models with independent data collected in the field the following year. The models built for the northern flicker, red-naped sapsucker, and tree swallow were relatively accurate (84%, 80%, and 75% nests correctly classified,respectively)compared to the models for the mountain chickadee (50% nests correctly classified). All four models were more selective than a null model that predicted habitat based solely on a gross association with aspen forests. We conclude that associations with landscape patterns can be used to build relatively accurate, easy to use, predictive models for some species. Our results stress, however, that both selecting the proper scale at which to assess landscape associations and empirically testing the models derived from those associations are crucial for building useful predictive models. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

苹果渣发酵料栽培糙皮侧耳优良菌株的选育

新选育的糙皮侧耳菌株PL -A2 属于早熟型品种。该菌株菌丝在 5～ 37℃温度范围内均能生长 ,菌丝生长适温为 18～ 30℃ ,最适温度为 2 5～ 2 8℃。在苹果渣发酵料培养基上 ,菌丝粗壮、整齐、洁白 ,爬壁能力强 ,满袋天数为 2 2d± 1d。经推广栽培证明 ,PL -A2 是高产优质菌株     

Identification of a major gene (Mex-1) from Coffea canephora conferring resistance to Meloidogyne exigua in Coffea arabica

Among the most damaging root-knot nematode species, Meloidogyne exigua is especially common in Latin America and constitutes a major agronomic constraint in all major coffee-growing ( Coffea arabica ) areas. Growing nematode-resistant coffee represents the most promising option for control of the pest. The present study aimed to determine the mode of inheritance of the M. exigua resistance transferred into C. arabica from a related species, Coffea canephora , and to identify associated molecular markers. Segregation data analysis of F ₂ progeny derived from a cross between the resistant introgression line T5296 and the susceptible accession Et6 showed that the resistance to M. exigua is controlled by a simply inherited major gene (designated the Mex -1 locus). The gall index distribution exhibited by the F ₂ individuals suggested incomplete dominant expression. Fourteen AFLP markers were found associated with the resistance to M. exigua and a localized genetic map of the chromosome segment carrying Mex -1 was constructed. Furthermore, the association of the identified AFLP markers with Mex -1 was confirmed by analysis of a set of genotypes involving 28 introgression Arabica lines either resistant or susceptible to M. exigua in field conditions. These results represent an important starting point to enhance backcross breeding programmes and to perform an early selection of resistant seedlings.     

菜豆新品种将军油豆的选育

将军油豆是以农家品种大马掌为母本 ,家雀蛋为父本人工杂交后系统选育而成。中熟 ,蔓生 ,从播种到采收 6 5d(天 ) ,生长势强 ,嫩荚绿色 ,扁条形 ,荚尖部有红条纹 ,平均荚长 2 0cm ,荚宽 2 .4cm ,单荚质量 2 4g ,纤维少 ,肉质面 ,属典型的东北优质油豆角类型。抗炭疽病、锈病 ,适应性广 ,春秋皆可种植 ,露地、保护地兼用     

Quantifying patch distribution at multiple spatial scales: Applications to wildlife-habitat models

Multiscale analyses are widely employed for wildlife-habitat studies. In most cases, however, each scale is considered discrete and little emphasis is placed on incorporating or measuring the responses of wildlife to resources across multiple scales. We modeled the responses of three Arctic wildlife species to vegetative resources distributed at two spatial scales: patches and collections of patches aggregated across a regional area. We defined a patch as a single or homogeneous collection of pixels representing 1 of 10 unique vegetation types. We employed a spatial pattern technique, three-term local quadrat variance, to quantify the distribution of patches at a larger regional scale. We used the distance at which the variance for each of 10 vegetation types peaked to define a moving window for calculating the density of patches. When measures of vegetation patch and density were applied to resource selection functions, the most parsimonious models for wolves and grizzly bears included covariates recorded at both scales. Seasonal resource selection by caribou was best described using a model consisting of only regional scale covariates. Our results suggest that for some species and environments simple patch-scale models may not capture the full range of spatial variation in resources to which wildlife may respond. For mobile animals that range across heterogeneous areas we recommend selection models that integrate resources occurring at a number of spatial scales. Patch density is a simple technique for representing such higher-order spatial patterns.     

Genetic diversity and historic introgression in German Angler and Red Dual Purpose cattle and possibilities to reverse introgression

Recovering native uniqueness has major importance for breeds with historic introgression. The aim of the study was to estimate population genetic parameters for two local red cattle breeds from Northern Germany and to study possibilities to reverse introgression. Genealogical information consisted of 90,783 individuals for German Angler and 187,255 individuals for Red Dual-Purpose cattle breed, with additional information on sex, born, breed, status, and conventional breeding values. It is concluded that the native genetic contribution could be included as an additional trait in the total merit index in order to recover a part of the native genetic background. Native contributions should be estimated in the long term from marker data in order to account for Mendelian sampling. The maintenance of a sufficient genetic diversity of native alleles can be achieved by an advanced OCS with appropriate constraints.     

Innovative layer genetics to handle global challenges in egg production

1. In commercial layer breeding, extensive gene pools are tested and selected for market requirements which must be anticipated at least 5 years ahead. Field results confirm a continuous positive genetic trend in egg output and better feed efficiency which can be converted into land savings.

2. Animal welfare and cage-free housing dominate future needs of the market. Nesting behaviour and minimal tendency to develop feather-pecking or cannibalism without beak treatment are key trait complexes. Stronger shells for longer production cycles without moulting have to be combined with better bones.

3. No single big gene effect can be expected to control the multifactorial problem of feather-pecking. Adjusting the shape of the beak, with a heritability of .10–.25, can contribute to reducing the risk of severe cannibalism.

4. For better skeletal integrity, the assessment of bone quality in pedigree birds housed in enriched cages is done by keel bone palpation or ultrasound measurement of the humerus. Both traits show similar heritabilities in the range of .15–.30 and can be included in a balanced selection approach for performance, quality and welfare traits.

5. The combination of performance testing and genome-wide DNA marker analysis is a promising tool to generate more progress for a balanced performance and behaviour profile.     

区域层面发展循环经济的挑战和路径选择——以安徽省为例

阐述了区域发展循环经济的基础和契机,以安徽省为例分析了发展循环经济面临资源制约和环境压力加大、配套政策法制体系有待进一步完善和贯彻落实、循环经济指标尚未纳入政绩考核、循环经济技术支撑基础依然亟需加强等挑战,提出以任务和目标明确循环经济发展的方向、以重点领域作为循环经济发展的载体、以重点工程作为发展循环经济的手段、以制度建设作为循环经济发展的保障等路径。     

生态停车场结构改良研究

为有效解决生态停车场交付使用后一段时间就出现草皮空秃严重的问题,该研究系统地对生态停车场结构中的3类面层材料、5类结合层材料、5类基层材料作了对比。结果表明:当停车场结构的基础为素土夯实,基层采用150 mm厚三七灰土加100 mm厚C15素混凝土,结合层采用30 mm厚1∶3水泥砂浆时,面层采用200~300 mm厚自然石既能有效控制草皮空秃问题,停车场的结构稳定性也较好;当停车场结构的基础为素土夯实,第1基层采用150 mm厚三七灰土,第2基层材料改用200 mm厚级配砂石,结合层材料改用50mm厚1∶3泥砂混合时,面层材料采用60 mm厚嵌草砖或70 mm厚植草格的综合效果良好。     

降香黄檀不同家系的生长性状测定与初步选择

在福建省华安县西陂国有林场,对降香黄檀53个家系6年生试验林的生长指标进行综合分析。结果表明:表现最为优良的前3个家系是BS29、BS28、DF35,其次为家系ZQ5、ZQ6、ZQ7、LZ8、BWL84、BWL90、FJ117,均在生长量上表现良好;表现最差的家系是FJ121、FJ120、LD43,其次为家系WC11、BS31、LD42、WZS55、WZS58、GZ106、HK15,均在生长量上表现差。初步筛选出适合于闽南沿海地区种植的10个优良家系:BS29、BS28、DF35、ZQ5、ZQ6、ZQ7、LZ8、BWL84、BWL90、FJ117。